Jo's Fight: Conquer Necrotising Fasciitis

Last weekend, on Saturday evening, Jo lost her balance and hit her head, prompting a call for an ambulance due to the presence of blood. Upon arrival, medical staff administered a line, and she was discharged at 8 am the following morning. However, upon removal of the line, her arm reacted adversely, leading us to suspect an allergic reaction to the plaster. Her arm became inflamed, exceedingly painful, and began to bruise inexplicably. Returning to Tauranga hospital, a CT scan revealed a grave concern: suspected necrotising fasciitis, a potentially fatal flesh-eating disease. Her condition deteriorated rapidly; she became septic, developed pneumonia, and pleurisy set in. Emergency surgery was imperative, resulting in the excision of a significant portion of her arm to eradicate the disease. Over two days, she underwent two surgeries in Tauranga as the disease continued to spread. Now transferred to Waikato hospital, further surgery has been performed, accompanied by numerous tests, X-rays, and scans to monitor her condition, including a check for lung clotting. She will remain in Waikato hospital until deemed free of the disease, followed by monitoring at Tauranga hospital when transferred back. Subsequent procedures, including reconstruction, plastic surgery, and rehabilitation, are anticipated over the next few months necessitating regular visits to Waikato. Her recovery will entail a prolonged absence from work which is a massive financial struggle.